Sarshel - Praised Be

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Copper Dragon
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Sarshel - Praised Be

Postby Copper Dragon » Mon Dec 07, 2015 7:15 pm

Impiltur is ever-dutifully watched over by the Triad: in this country the Faerunian gods named Tyr, Torm and Ilmater hold sway like no other, accepting much of the prayers of the locals. Religion and state are nigh interwoven, and the common folk could not imagine a world without at least lip service to the gods.

But who besides the Triadists claims people's attention on the Easting Reach, and in particular Sarshel - one of its more trafficked settlements? Rumour and talk may spread about some faiths attempting to win the hearts of men and women; to hear the where and how however, one would have to listen more carefully.
Plays:
Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnmaster
Udhana, the Kinless
Dhovainithil, Silver Elf
Jhasira of the Bai Kabor, Dawnbringer (deceased)

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Copper Dragon
Posts: 537
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Faiths in Sarshel: Lathander

Postby Copper Dragon » Mon Dec 07, 2015 7:16 pm

The Morning Sermons
One such faith, though surely not the only one, more actively represented in Sarshel at present is that of Lathander, often dubbed the Morninglord. Since the middle of Tarsakh 1362DR - the earliest month of spring - on early mornings, Sarshel's city square would be witness to a Dawnbringer's sermons, uttered in the Common Tongue.

The Priestess
The preacher in question is of blonde hair, clad in quality long-sleeved ceremonial robes of rosy and gold colours, and wearing a sunburst headpiece. Curious would be her just slightly pointed ears and the warm gleam of confidence in the young woman's eyes; and something about her aesthetic, style, and surely her accent, suggests a foreign origin.

The Rumours
These public prayers are either done just at dawn, utmost punctually, or not at all. Possibly her audience, if any, would consist of the craftsmen, farmers and traders who would be preparing for their busy days at the market, travellers just arriving or setting out by the gates, the patrolling guards or drunkards who forgot about time. The priestess' tasteful attire and appearance would suggest she doesn't fit in with such a crowd, (likely some don't even understand the language) but she makes an effort to perform the morning ceremony with grace and openness. These days however she's made efforts to include portions of Easting along with Common: perhaps to reach out to more locals?

She deals out blessings in exchange for a small contribution: for either 10 coppers per person; for 2 coppers per child; for free for infants; or for an honest prayer uttered to Lathander.

"The Lord of Dawn will bring his light and protection; his kindness, inspiration and favour; prosperity and strength to those that dare to hope in a better tomorrow. May He and the Triad be a force undefeatable."

All in all, perhaps to the dislike or disappointment of the sermon-attenders at first, it's not every day that Dawnbringer D'Assanthe comes to speak to them on the city square. There are days, and once a whole tenday, where she does not make an appearance; but after her absences she comes back with all the more to say.

She shares important lessons from her adventures like when she claims, " 'Tis a glorious morning when neighbours love their neighbours; strangers offer aid to strangers; and friends see past the faults of friends. Prosperity and a rich life worth living come through determination, respect and trust, and it is these that my companions had. They who battle and bleed for your safety... they need you to work hard and together, just as they do."

At other times she reassures the audience by telling them of her adventures, "And as Sunrise Lord Namaryn, Fifth of his Title, said unto his beloved disciples: 'Soar, for you must fall, and soar anew but higher', so did these people do the same. We have clashed with the Bugbears... we met terrible pain, and a strong warband of them, ruthless. Almost we lost faith. In each other, in our cause, in triumph. But we didn't fall. We soared. And pray with me for these warriors' names, as I pray for your children, your hearths and endeavours."

And later still, in the heart of summer, Dawnbringer D'Assanthe would mention in her sermons a tower that has Lathander's light and wisdom at its tip. Soon those seeking the Lord of Dawn's enlightenment and blessings may be directed to it - but not before she's seen to its restoration.

OOC: Feel free to use to respond to the activities mentioned here. Artemis D'Assanthe would, when not out Adventuring, do her best to be present in the mornings.
Last edited by Copper Dragon on Sat Mar 05, 2016 3:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Plays:
Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnmaster
Udhana, the Kinless
Dhovainithil, Silver Elf
Jhasira of the Bai Kabor, Dawnbringer (deceased)

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Copper Dragon
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Postby Copper Dragon » Mon Dec 07, 2015 9:17 pm

The blonde Dawnbringer is still active in Sarshel up to autumn and the beginnings of winter, performing regular morning sermons at the city square. With the cooling and greying of the seasons, her public speeches focus on the endurance, cooperation and preparations required for the coming winter. She beseeches her audience to continue working excellently and exquisitely, to turn no blind eye to the needs of their colleagues and lessers, and to never let the dark numbness of winter drag them down; the morning always brings gifts to the diligent.

In addition, one morning during Marpenoth, the priestess introduces a militant young man to the gathering. She informs them that this man - a brother in faith, Westin Highridge, and a warrior in service of the Lord of New Dawns - will be happy to listen to their troubles and queries and assist, and in cases where he's not fit to do so, will relay their concerns to Artemis.
Plays:
Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnmaster
Udhana, the Kinless
Dhovainithil, Silver Elf
Jhasira of the Bai Kabor, Dawnbringer (deceased)

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Copper Dragon
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Location: GMT +1

Re: Sarshel - Praised Be

Postby Copper Dragon » Wed Jan 06, 2016 9:17 pm

A typical morning sermon in snowy, chilly, white winter would sound like the following:

"Dear mothers and fathers; sisters and brothers; daughters and sons; the land is claimed by the Frostmaiden and the Stormlord. Coldness has set in, trade is put to sleep by the snows, darkness yawns on the sky all too long in the morning and all too early in the eve. But you know what I will say next." Dawnbringer D'Assanthe smiles to the listeners. In the pale first light her sunburst headpiece twinkles once.

"You know, that after darkness and cold, light and warmth comes. As it always has. As it always will! Frost-blushed and shivering as you are, you come here to meet the morn with me." She gestures at two random by-standers in the audience. "You gather with me, rejoice with me, in the hope and comfort that we will watch the sun... rise. Rise, and banish the Gloom, and cast light and brilliance upon the Frost. Rise, and light the path for us mere mortals through our sombre days. Rise, and remind us forevermore that He perseveres - that we too must persevere.

"Behold His example! And follow it. From the ice and snow He makes pieces of jewellery with His Light, sparkling in a myriad ways. From the grey skies He finds the means to light your way. From the dark He climbs each morn, and if the clouds do part, He will warm your cheek and your heart. Do not cease to create and to be creative when all others seem to mock you, taunt you! Do not cease to respect yourself, your work, and others! Do not cease to be kind and helpful to those that need it! And many do need it, in this darkest of seasons."


Artemis D'Assanthe would pause, and draw her gaze over the gathered. She then raises her chin, her eyes and her arms toward the rising sun beyond the Royal Palace, "Behold, the new day has come, filled as ever with His light and love. We thank You - we greet You, O Morninglord! May You guide us mere mortals to greater wisdom, to courage, to generosity. May we ever be worthy."
Plays:
Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnmaster
Udhana, the Kinless
Dhovainithil, Silver Elf
Jhasira of the Bai Kabor, Dawnbringer (deceased)

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Copper Dragon
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Re: Sarshel - Praised Be

Postby Copper Dragon » Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:27 pm

Cityscape Activity: Meetings for the Mercantile & Industrious

Artemis D'Assanthe welcomes anyone to the morning sermons, hearing out questions, plights and pleas afterwards from many a different person. However, it is clear that she puts her remaining social-political efforts into the middlemen of the farmers, craftsmen, cosmopolitans and nobility: the merchants.

One-on-Ones
Such activity doesn't garner much attention from Adventurers, not directly at least, but some may have heard of the cultured Dawnbringer's efforts. She organises smaller get-togethers among Sarshel's local and visiting traders; taking up the role of match-maker and presentator between old and new blood, between craftsfolk and merchants.

A Party
Word may spread that the priestess has already organised at least one 'business party' as well, at the Sailor's Star, bringing together businessfolk and a few crafters, and cherry-picking eloquent philanthropists and a philosopher to breathe energetic life into the meeting. The intention was clear: allow a platform for the businesses of Sarshel's region to mingle, branch out and cooperate; and more subtly, to invest in each other and bring greater wealth - not to themselves, or not only, but to their whole community.
An Example Pamphlet wrote:Esteemed acquaintance,

You have been invited to the Sunglow Open Meeting held tomorrow at highsun at the Sailor's Star. Your presence is highly anticipated and requested, alongside any and all who are eager to harness the potential within your field of craft, trade, or artisanship.

Meet your fellows, discover new avenues, dare to make a big step towards your successes - and start with but an easy and small one, coming to the event. Where there is a 'we', there is a way.

Special guests will be Mr. Jarlun Ilmsar from the Redhorn laern* and Mr. Albos Dorlev, scholar of Songhall.

Host will be Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnbringer.
Dawnlord D'Assanthe displays sophistication and upper class courtesy, and an Amnian sense of controlled perfectionism, thusly attempting to further influence and sculpt her gathered acquaintances. She makes it clear to all attendants, and those who are interested besides, that the Morninglord stands for new beginnings and ideas, for innovation and artistic expression, for renewal and the blossoming of country and culture; that those that work on the betterment of each others' lives will find that their own lot has grown grander. The good treatment of one's working force, the cooperation between businessfolk, the search for excellence in work and relations brings about splendour and abundance.

Adventurers
One might also note how - if she is asked about such - the Dawnbringer is very positive and encouraging regarding Adventurers. She points out their great influence on society and economy, and motivates traders to sponsor or keep an eye out for this strange outsider social class.

OOC: There's no intention of doing this in game, but it is a type of activity that Artemis would attempt to foster and for which I've done some DM correspondence. Please, if you have a PC that would be interested in such events, do feel free (do feel obliged!) to write it down here.

_____________________

*Redhorn laern: the name for Hlammach's guild of trades.
Plays:
Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnmaster
Udhana, the Kinless
Dhovainithil, Silver Elf
Jhasira of the Bai Kabor, Dawnbringer (deceased)

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Leore
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Re: Sarshel - Praised Be

Postby Leore » Sat Jan 23, 2016 5:11 am

Spoiler:
I'm new and really interested in this kind of RP. In fact, it's my favourite, and after making a character to learn the ropes (sort of) and reading up on some things, I'd definitely be wanting to attend something like this if it were to happen. Honestly though, I'm a bit stumped on what culture I should have my character be a part of. Will say so when it happens!
Characters:
Mathias Culdrake; Damaran Freerider
Maurister Dalemar; Chondathan Grifter
Gareth Halenseph; Easting Bowman

cyberjesterb
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Re: Sarshel - Praised Be

Postby cyberjesterb » Sat Jan 23, 2016 10:51 pm

Bors has begun to attend the Dawnbringer's sermons sporadically. He converses with those who seem willing, especially merchants and business owners. He would also make a habit each time of approaching Artemis herself when appropriate to say hello. His bearing when doing so would be more as an equal than any sort of religious follower to a priest. Though at first he would have hung to the fringes of the gatherings and kept out of the way. As time passes he seems to be less uncomfortable and more confident among the crowd. He would simply ignore it if targeted by the racism he has grown accustomed to.
Bors
Orm
Ghaulvur Forlimodr

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Poisonous
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Re: Sarshel - Praised Be

Postby Poisonous » Sun Jan 24, 2016 10:06 am

Sister Kelda is no stranger to the Dawnbringer's sermons, often passing by them in her daily work and sometimes pausing to listen, but never sitting for long. Lately, however, she has begun occasionally staying for Artemis' entire sermons--as well as those of other street preachers around the city.
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Mother Kelda Adler, priestess of The Crying God, wife, sister, mother. [Retired: old posts here and here]
Manishie, wanderer and songbird. Not a fan of sausage. Typically in Songhall, Sayildi's, or wandering...
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Tailos
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Re: Sarshel - Praised Be

Postby Tailos » Sun Jan 24, 2016 11:05 am

Occasionally, the Harp of Cimbar may also be found in the crowd attending, if only for a portion of the sermons as he is hardly a Lathanderite himself. Some words do resonate, however, particularly those of strength in the light of a new day and - unsurprisingly - all referring to artistic expression.

And of course, a gathered crowd is an opportunity to perform as the sermons finish...!

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Copper Dragon
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Re: Sarshel - Praised Be

Postby Copper Dragon » Sun Jan 24, 2016 1:38 pm

A Sermon
Artemis D'Assanthe brings a tome to her latest sermon, citing a passage for this day's beginning:

"Thought in the mind hath made us. What we are
By thought we wrought and built. If a man's mind
Hath evil thoughts, pain comes on him as comes
The wheel the ox behind. If one endure,
In purity of thought, joy follows him
As his own shadow - sure."

She looks up and straight-shouldered, straight-backed draws her gaze over the audience. With a reassured, collected tempo of speech, she speaks. "The wise words of Dawnmaster Allen. Brought to him by our Morninglord's loving inspiration, by the Morninglord's invocation that we always must improve ourselves.

"Dear citizens, travellers, listeners, attendants. There is but one master of your character - one who commands your decisions and way of life. You, and your awareness of yourself. Only you are the only obstacle standing in the way of your success; however you define this success; and only you are the shaper of your chances.

"There are goodly gods who comfort you in your times of greatest sorrow; and those who send forth soldiers to battle the evil and injustice that was brought upon you; and those who bid their spokesmen to bring order and law to our communities. The Lord of Dawn, Lathander, preserves and protects as well, and He teaches. He enlightens. He is the god who shows us that we need not be prisoners of circumstance, victims of wrongness. He shows us, bids us, to rise above our conditions - to seize them rather than endure them; to use them rather than suffer them.

"A noble and godly character, or a successful and blooming endeavour, is not a thing of favour or chance. 'Tis the natural result of continued effort: in deed, in right thinking, in self-belief and self-respect. An ignoble and bestial character is then the result of the continued harbouring of groveling thoughts.

"Do you wish to reap rewards? Then work honestly, diligently, respectfully. Do not envy your neighbour, for he is not the measure of your life. Do you wish to better your state? Then seek and take opportunities. Do not lament your lack of fitness for a task, for no one is born all-knowing. Do you wish to be strong, in mind or in body? Then find the time to invest in it, in yourself. Do not fear to put in effort, for only effort brings long-lasting change.

"Such is the way the Morninglord praises. Such is the path the Morninglord illuminates -- and such is the walk of life that He blesses."



Responses to the Audience
Dawnbringer D'Assanthe sets aside time for people interested in approaching her with questions or problems. She is happy to promote Marcellus, The Harp of Cimbar, and his performances after the sermons, using his excellent art as an example for how the path of prosperity looks like: through many hours of work, a positive and resilient attitude, and courtesy towards others.

She is also tolerant of the half-orc presence at the sermons, and bids the audience not to cast aside such individuals based on their heritage. To the Lathanderite, it isn't one's past that defines how they should be treated, but one's deeds, and "even so-called half-breeds" should not be judged any earlier than that. This latter may be especially curious to hear for some, given that the Dawnbringer sports faint features of an alien people too; being half-elven.


The Mercantile Meetings
These get-togethers don't happen more often than every fortnight, but the priestess seems open to include any and all who are interested. She makes no secret of the gatherings; but she does attempt to keep quality control. Badmouthing individuals, dark and brooding persons, cynical would-be attendees are kept to a minimum, allowing only one or two of these to any one party, with the (unspoken) intention to let the positivity of the others stick to them.

If there are more adventurous folk who would like to attend, the Dawnbringer welcomes them too.
Plays:
Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnmaster
Udhana, the Kinless
Dhovainithil, Silver Elf
Jhasira of the Bai Kabor, Dawnbringer (deceased)


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